Media Statements

Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Jeff Seeney

Friday, July 27, 2012

Major tourism proposal open for comment

A proposal for one of the biggest tourism developments in Australia will be open for public comment on Monday.

Queensland’s Coordinator General will release the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed development on Great Keppel Island.

Mooted is a $600 million low-rise, eco-tourism resort (GKIR) to be constructed over a 12 year period.

The Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the proposal was for an environmentally friendly development that would fit with the unique aspects of Great Keppel Island.

Mr Seeney said it provided a significant opportunity for tourism growth in Queensland.

“Release of the EIS is an important step in the progress of this proposed project,” Mr Seeney said.

“State and Federal assessments of the proposal have been running in parallel and this EIS addresses both State and Commonwealth issues.

“The cooperation between the governments has been very good to help get to this stage.

“People will have 30 business days from 30 July, 2012 (until September 7) to make submissions on State matters.

“Should this project proceed it will be important for both the construction and tourism industries, with more than 400 building jobs annualised over the12 year construction period and the possibility of more than 1,000 direct and indirect jobs for an operational resort.”

The first stage of the development proposes the establishment of a new 250-suite hotel at Fisherman’s Beach with accompanying restaurants and conference facilities.

It would also contain a 250-berth marina at Putney Beach including a yacht club and dry dock storage and approximately 150 Marine Precinct Apartments, a Ferry Terminal and staff accommodation.

Subsequent stages of the project would include: • 750 eco-resort villas incorporating sustainable building design such as rooftop solar panels and water tanks • 300 eco-resort apartments also incorporating sustainable building design • And a Greg Norman designed golf course which will form an essential part of the resort’s wastewater re-use and treatment infrastructure

Mr Seeney said the new GKIR proposal equated to the use of 3.52 per cent of the island compared to 8 per cent previously proposed.

The new proposal would ensure about 40 per cent of the island, or 575 hectares, would be an environmental protection area to be rehabilitated and protected in perpetuity.

“Should the project ultimately be approved and proceed it will be another example of how this State Government is fulfilling its commitments to drive the State forward through the tourism and construction industries,” he said.

“Tourism and construction – two of the four pillars of our economy - are key to getting the state back on track.”

The EIS can be viewed on line at www.gkiresort.com.au and CD copies can be obtained by emailing mail@towerholdings.com.au .